New Therapy for Lou Gehrig’s Disease

IN YOUR DAILY DOSE today is research using mouse models that has halted the progression of Lou Gehrig’s disease.

IN MAKING CHANGES today are strategies you can use to improve your sleep habits and your sleep hygiene.

IN FACT OR FICTION you’ll learn something about horses you might not already know. Mr. Ed was well ahead of his time.

In The News

Researchers from Oregon State University announced that they have essentially stopped the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The halt of the disease allowed the mice to approach their normal lifespan.

After decades of research and study there has been no treatment discovered that could do anything but prolong survival less than a month. This study is one that scientist could more closely resemble human reaction to a new compound in the treatment of ALS.

Joseph Beckman, lead author and distinguished professor of biochemistry and biophysics at the College of Science at Oregon State University was quoted in Science Daily, “We are shocked at how well this treatment can stop the progression of ALS.” Researchers are moving as quickly as possible toward human trials to determine if humans will have the same reaction to the treatment.

ALS is a progressive neurological disease that is ultimately fatal. It was discovered in the late 1800s and made famous with the diagnosis of baseball player Lou Gerhig in 1939.

Making Changes

ALS is triggered by the release of a toxin produced by star shaped cells called astrocytes that normally nurture the cells. This triggers the death of motor neurons that control muscle movement, breathing and swallowing. Death often occurs within 3 years of the symptoms first appearing.

Progression can be slowed by rest and restorative sleep. Research supports the importance of restorative sleep to clear toxins from the brain and also prevent the development of dementia.

You can improve your restorative sleep by:

1. Using the bed for only sexual relations with your spouse and sleep. No television, work or computers.

2. Sleep in the dark. Move anything with lights away from the bed and covered.

3. Move all cell phones and phones to another room.

4. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day.

5. Don’t drink anything after 6pm to reduce the possibility of waking to urinate.

6. Keep the temperature in the room at 70 degrees or cooler.

7. Wear socks to keep your feet warm.

My Daily Affirmation

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Are my spending habits helping or hurting me? 2. How can I design a budget that works well for me? 3. How can I help my family develop healthy spending habits?

Fact Or Fiction?

Can you count as high as your horse? You might be surprised exactly what they can accomplish! Click here to find out.